Category: DPW/Flood Control

In the middle giving out awards to their storm water committee is Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. This is a high-powered group with a lot of technical, legal and lobbying skills. They had this Chamber committee up and operating in January of 2013, when it became clear that the … Continue reading And the Winner of the Battle of the Algorithms is:

In case you think that People in Ward Three are exaggerating about the trucks cutting through their residential streets to the Coke Plant, look at this picture above. On April 12th, a North Street resident happened to be sitting at the light where Damon Road meets Route Nine. When the light turned green for traffic coming … Continue reading We’ve got ourselves a Convoy

We are not the only town around with a low bridge problem. Worcester had a very expensive chronic problem with the Providence and Worcester railroad bridge that spanned a heavily travelled truck route. Using the God-like prowess of Google once again, I found a October 2014 clipping from the Worcester Telegram that told me that … Continue reading A low-tech solution to a low bridge problem

On May 23rd, the Public Works Commission, barring any last minute changes, had its final meeting. There were only three things on the agenda: public comment, approval of the minutes, and “Discussion with Mayor Narkewicz regarding the Public Works Commission.” I don’t know what he said to them, since the minutes aren’t ready yet and … Continue reading Mayor dissolves Public Works Commission

Approves bid of $409,000 bid from Northern Tree Service Soon owners of trees adjacent to the dike system will get formal notices from the DPW that they will be cut down and their root systems removed. I know I’ll miss the dramatic entryway to the path that runs along its summit. Off of Pomeroy … Continue reading DPW to clear-cut brush and trees on and around the levee

They have it rough enough. When I’m still in bed, they are out there working in cold weather, rain, whatever. Raising potatoes and onions is not for sissies. I took these pictures a couple weeks ago at one of my favorite places in Northampton, out in the Meadows near the Connecticut. God’s country. … Continue reading Leave the Farmers Alone!

I guess there are nice consultants. Consultants who aren’t out to hustle you, Consultants that tell the truth. But cross off the list of trustable people Ann Burke and Attorney Jerome Fialky of the Western Massachusetts Development Council. These two people did a great deal to help the Northampton BID get organized, but killed it by their hardball … Continue reading in Bed with the Consultants

Jim Barkham ( a fake name) is holding his breath waiting for his first storm water bill to arrive. A lot of other people around town are apprehensive. Jim is not interested in becoming the star of another incendiary article in Kirbyontheloose, and so he said, “Ok Kirby, use my situation, but don’t use my … Continue reading Waiting for the other shoe to drop